The migration of people from villages to towns or abroad to work was influenced by the agricultural collapse. The supply of jobs in the rural areas decreased considerably, while for young people the villages are not attractive from social-cultural viewpoint either, sociologist Vasile Cantarji, project manager at the Center for Sociological Surveys and Marketing CBS-AXA, has told IPN.

“We cannot say that the education level in rural areas is low, but things will become more difficult in time. There are yet intellectuals who return to villages, including doctors, engineers and agronomists, but in an insufficient number. Owing to the agricultural collapse, they prefer to go abroad or to remain in towns. Not many of the young people from rural areas finish vocational schools. Most of them choose to obtain higher education,” said Vasile Cantarji. According to him, the Moldovan villages cannot provide cultural services to young people to animate the social life and this aspect is also related to the economic level.

“We have tended to consumerism being poor and this fact caused many paradoxes in society. The large, very expensive houses in Moldovan villages are not insured, are not connected to gas and there are villages without local infrastructure. It’s funny and it’s not worth the effort,” stated Vasile Cantarji, adding that a lot of the European funds intended for regional development cannot be used because there are no competent persons who would think up projects.

Forecasts say a number of villages will disappear and the population will continue to migrate to towns. “The traditions and their authenticity will also be lost. There will be a visible rupture between generations. It is already felt,” stated the sociologist. Making reference to the situation of the unemployed villagers, Vasile Catarji said it is a myth that there is a surplus of labor force in Moldova. “There are not many people who would work in villages. Even if the European projects are approved, there will be not enough labor force for implementing them.”

In Moldova, 26% of the settlements have a population of under 1,500 people. This social phenomenon will continue to extend. According to a study made by the Center for Sociological, Politological and Psychological Analysis and Investigations CIVIS, more than 400,000 Moldovans are now abroad. 70% of them are from rural areas.